Pontal de Maracaípe

Pontal de Maracaípe is the southern tip of Maracaípe Beach, where the Maracaípe River meets the sea (“pontal” means a point or spit of land). The Porto de Galinhas Convention & Visitors Bureau describes it as peaceful and perfect for relaxing, with the most beautiful sunset in the resort area. It is the starting point for jangada (traditional raft boat) rides to see seahorses.

Where it is and how to get there

The Pontal is at the end of Maracaípe Beach, which lies about 3 km south of the village of Porto de Galinhas, according to Ipojuca City Hall. You can get there by car, taxi, ride-hailing app or buggy. If you are already in Maracaípe, you can walk along the sand to the river mouth.

What to do

Ipojuca City Hall lists these activities at the Pontal:

• jangada ride through the estuary, with a stop to watch seahorses;
• stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking on the river;
• sunset, one of the most traditional late-afternoon plans.

The Convention & Visitors Bureau adds that the jangada ride at the Pontal helps you slow down: it is a calm outing, very different from the crowded pools in the village.

A protected area

The Pontal lies inside the Sirinhaém and Maracaípe Rivers Estuarine Environmental Protection Area, created by State Law 9,931/1986, covering 3,335 hectares in the municipalities of Ipojuca and Sirinhaém and managed by the state environmental agency CPRH. The area is covered in mangrove forest and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. One of the protected area’s goals is to curb the pressure of unregulated tourism on these environments.

In July 2017, Folha de Pernambuco reported that Ipojuca City Hall created by decree a Municipal Natural Park of just over 15 hectares of mangrove next to the Pontal, with plans for visitor rules and monitoring of the jangada rides.

Who it suits

• Couples: sunset is the highlight.
• Families: the jangada ride on the river is calm, but children need constant supervision near the water.
• Nature lovers: mangroves, birds and seahorses in one place.

Environmental and safety tips

• Do not walk into the mangroves off the paths and do not take animals or plants.
• Do not touch the seahorses, and prefer watching them without taking them out of the water.
• Take your trash with you; mangroves trap plastic easily.
• At the river mouth, the current changes with the tide. Only swim where there is local guidance and lifeguards.

How to fit it into your itinerary

The Pontal is a late-afternoon plan. Combine it with Maracaípe Beach after lunch, take the jangada ride and stay for sunset. Head back to the village for dinner.